Wi-Fi & connectivity

[Glax100]

Roku is awful. Mine is right next to my router and it drops wifi constantly. It's going to find its way into the trash

[RokuKariza-D]

Hi @Glax100

We're here to help!

If you are getting an error code or message, refer to this link for common Roku error codes and their recommended actions: What should I do if I cannot connect to my home network or the internet?

Furthermore, if the affected device is a Roku Express or Roku Premiere, please note that they are only compatible with wireless b/g/n networks on the 2.4 GHz spectrum. Ensure that your router is broadcasting a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network for the device to connect to. You can check your device model by navigating to Settings > System > About.

You can also try configuring your router and use wireless channels 1, 6, or 11 which are the preferred channels in North America. Each time you change the wireless channel, you will likely need to apply/save changes before you are prompted to restart the router.

Let us know how it goes.

All the best,
Kariza

[Glax100]

Yes, it is on the correct ghz spectrum yet it constantly drops wireless connection.  My ps4 across my home does not have this issue

[atc98092]

@Glax100 what is your Roku model number? Not the name, but the number please. 

[makaiguy]

It may seem counter intuitive, but it's possible to be TOO close to a router such that the signal overpowers the wifi receiver's electronics.

[Glax100]

3930rw

[Glax100]

This is horrible. It doesn't go 5 minutes without dropping wifi.  

[atc98092]

The 3930 is the Roku Express. It does seem to have the most WiFi issues from what I see here.

This Roku is a single band, so it only works on the 2.4 GHz radio band. This is the band that is the most prone to interference from other devices. Things like microwave ovens, wireless phones, and more.

The first thing to try is manually changing the channel your WiFi router is using. I can't tell you how to do that, as they all have different control panels. But somewhere under the WiFi/Radio settings there will be a channel assignment. Most likely it's currently set to Auto, and it chooses a channel on its own. That isn't always the best selection. Look on your Roku Settings/Network page and see what channel is in use now. It will be between 1 and 11. Change the channel your router is using to 1, 6 or 11. If it was using a low channel, choose 11. If it was already at the high end, choose 1. 

Now use your Roku and see if it continues to be a problem. If not, you're good to go. If it still has an issue, try one of the other two channels. And don't forget what was mentioned above, sometimes you can actually be too close to the router. Adding another foot of space between them might be all it needs. 

[Glax100]

Like I said. Trash

[atc98092]

Since most of my Roku devices are connected wirelessly, and I never have a connectivity issue, I respectfully disagree with you. As I said, the 2.4 GHz band is very crowded, and interference is a significant issue for many users. Changing the channel often is all that's necessary for trouble-free use.